2050 Investors — Economic and markets megatrends, ahead of 2050’s global sustainability targets

Stablecoins, once a niche segment of the cryptocurrency market, are rapidly emerging as a vital bridge between the digital innovation of decentralised finance (DeFi) and traditional finance (TradFi). Backed by real-world assets and powered by blockchain technology, they mark a new phase in the evolution of money: from Gold (Money 1.0) to the trust-based fiat system (Money 2.0) and now to a new era of Money 3.0. Each stage has fundamentally transformed how societies store, transfer, and multiply economic energy. In this episode of 2050 Investors, Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, explores the rise of stablecoins and their role in the wider crypto ecosystem of DeFi and blockchain. He examines how these innovations challenge traditional banking systems and central banks, and whether they can truly become the ultimate store of value in a digital age. Joining the discussion: Joseph Lubin, co-founder of Ethereum and CEO of ConsenSys, shares how stablecoins could reshape banking, the future of payment, the role of trust in digital money, and the convergence of blockchain with artificial intelligence. This episode offers a thought-provoking journey into the heart of the crypto revolution, questioning whether ‘Billy Crypto’ is still an outsider in Currency Canyon, or already part of the system. Credits Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Producers & Editors: Jovaney Ashman, Jennifer Krumm, Vincent Nickelsen, Louis Trouslard. Sound Director: La Vilaine, Pierre-Emmanuel Lurton. Music: Cézame Music Agency. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly. Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

What is the future of international trade? After Brexit, the War in Ukraine, and the Covid-19 pandemic, are we at the beginning of the end of globalisation? Will a future Phileas Fogg be more incentivized to stay at home and circle the world in the metaverse in 80 seconds? While globalization has fueled economic growth, lifted millions out of poverty, and facilitated unprecedented access to consumer goods and information, it also carries a dark underbelly. Kokou Agbo-Bloua explores the repercussions of global trade, from job displacement to environmental degradation and social inequality. Through engaging dialogue and historical anecdotes, he reflects on the principles of comparative advantage and economies of scale that underpin international trade, while considering the carbon footprint of our interconnected world. Join the investigation into the future of trade, from reshoring initiatives to carbon border adjustment taxes, and their potential to mitigate environmental impact and promote sustainability. Gain insights from experts like Tim de Knegt, Treasurer and Strategic Finance Manager at the Port of Rotterdam, Europe's largest seaport. Tim and Kokou explore strategies for decarbonizing international trade, particularly in the shipping industry, discussing methods such as emissions capture, electrification, and fuel substitution. They also examine the potential impact of initiatives like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on trade decarbonization and profitability for businesses. Ultimately, this podcast invites listeners to contemplate the role of international trade in addressing global challenges and fostering cooperation across borders. As John Donne aptly said, "No man is an island," underscoring the interconnectedness of our world and the imperative for collaborative action in shaping its future. About this show Welcome to 2050 Investors your monthly guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG. Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an investigation of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets. In each episode, Kokou deep dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references. Kokou also interviews industry-leading experts, personalities, entrepreneurs and even Nobel prize winners! You will learn from the best on a wide range of subjects on current affairs, market shifts, and economic developments. If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics, subscribe now to stay informed! Credits Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Producers & Editors: Jovaney Ashman, Jennifer Krumm, Louis Trouslard. Sound Director: La Vilaine, Pierre-Emmanuel Lurton. Music: Cézame Music Agency. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly. This episode is a reworked replay based on its original version. (link to the original version [https://app.ausha.co/app/channel/17405/show/51097/episodes/preview/2297901]) Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

What has no beginning, end, or middle and touches every continent? If you answered, “the ocean”- Correct! Or the ‘living infinite’, as Jules Verne called it in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. This latest episode of 2050 Investors is a splashy one as host Kokou Agbo-Bloua dives deep into the mysteries of the oceans aboard the modern-day Nautilus, the Nautile. In 2022, at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 150 member states pledged to preserve or safeguard thirty percent of the world's oceans by 2030: or “30 by 30”. While a positive step in the right direction, more still needs to be done. Join Kokou in this daring adventure exploring the importance of the ocean in shaping Earth’s climate, providing food and habitat for animals and humans alike, the economy and so much more! But be aware as the adventure does take a dark turn when we encounter the deep-water alter ego of the Great Pacific Garbage patch. We will learn about the devastating effects of plastic pollution, envisioning a Kraken monster born from our own waste. Later in the episode, we speak with Nisha Bakker, Director Partnerships at The Ocean Cleanup. The Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit foundation working daily to rid the world's oceans of plastic. Nisha emphasises the need for a global effort to change the system of plastic production and waste management, mentioning the development of a Plastic Treaty. However, she’s optimistic of growing awareness and progress in ocean and river cleaning initiatives. As the journey concludes, Kokou reflects on the resilience depicted in Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea," leaving listeners with a poignant reminder that, despite the challenges, we can persevere. About this show Welcome to 2050 Investors your guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG. Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an investigation of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets. In each episode, Kokou deep dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references. Kokou also interviews industry-leading experts, personalities, entrepreneurs and even Nobel prize winners! If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics and their business and societal implications, subscribe now to stay informed! Previous episodes of 2050 Investors have explored ESG-influenced financial assets, climate change, AI, greenflation, smart cities, globalization, plastic pollution and more. Credits Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Producers & Editors: Jovaney Ashman, Jennifer Krumm, Louis Trouslard. Sound Director: La Vilaine, Pierre-Emmanuel Lurton. Music: Cézame Music Agency. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly. This episode is a reworked replay based on its original version. (link to the original version [https://app.ausha.co/app/channel/17405/show/51097/episodes/preview/3414512]) Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

Europe, once the driving force of global progress, gave birth to the Industrial Revolution, Enlightenment ideals, innovative scientific discoveries, and a cultural renaissance that shaped modern civilization. However, today, amid trade wars, geopolitical crises and industrial and technological advancements, Europe finds itself at a critical crossroads. In response to these disruptions in the global order, the European Union has announced bold investment plans in infrastructure and defence spending. But could this moment also mark the beginning of a financial renaissance, or does Europe risk falling further behind in the global race ?   In this episode of 2050 Investors, Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, explores the history of the European Union, its economic challenges, its remarkable resilience in emerging stronger from crises. Kokou contrasts the “European Dream” with the “American Dream”, shedding light on their respective strengths and weaknesses: individualism versus community, economic growth versus sustainability, and shareholder capitalism versus stakeholder capitalism.   Later in the episode, Kokou is joined by Anne-Christine Champion, Co-Head of Global Banking and Investor Solutions at Societe Generale, for an engaging discussion about the structural challenges facing Europe. Together, they analyse the strategic wake-up call issued in Draghi’s report, examining key areas such as fragmented financial markets, weak stock market culture, underutilization of €14 trillion in household savings, and regulatory complexities. Finally, they examine how solutions like advancing the Savings and Investments Union (SIU), deepening the integration of capital markets, developing securitization markets, and promoting financial education can revive the European project.   This episode offers a thought-provoking examination of Europe’s potential to transform challenges into opportunities and reclaim its position as a global leader in financial markets. About this show Welcome to 2050 Investors, your monthly guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG. Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an exploration of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets. In each episode, Kokou deep-dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references, there’s certainly something for everyone. If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support will help us spread the word and reach new audiences. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics and their business and societal implications, subscribe now to stay informed! Credits Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Editors: Vincent Nickelsen, Jovaney Ashman, Jennifer Krumm, Louis Trouslard. Production Designer: Emmanuel Minelle, Radio K7 Creative. Executive Producer : Fanny Giniès. Sound Director: Marc Valenduc. Music: Emmanuel d’Orlando. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly. Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

What qualities make the best salespeople? And what are the secrets behind their ability to sell anything — from a simple pen to a car, a house or even an option based systematic overlay on US Equities? In this episode of 2050 Investors, Kokou delves into the duality of selling as both an art and a science. Far from the realm of fantasy, salespeople bring a unique blend of creativity and expertise to the world of banking. Join us as we explore different sales techniques from AIDA to SPIN, the evolution of sales strategies over the decades, the nuanced dynamics of the salesperson's role, and the qualities that define the best in the business. We also highlight the essential steps in the sales process and the critical role of salespeople in the financial markets. Later, Kokou sits down with Yann Garnier, Head of Sales for Global Markets at Societe Generale, to gain his unique insights into the importance of understanding time - both linear and cyclical - in building authentic client relationships across cultures and geographies, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the future of the sales profession. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the world of sales, this episode offers valuable lessons and perspectives on building lasting customer relationships that you're unlikely to find in a traditional playbook. About this show Welcome to 2050 Investors, your monthly guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG. Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an exploration of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets. In each episode, Kokou deep-dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references, there’s certainly something for everyone. Kokou also interviews industry-leading experts, personalities, entrepreneurs and even Nobel prize winners! You will learn from the best on a wide range of subjects on current affairs, market shifts, and economic developments. If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support will help us spread the word and reach new audiences. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics and their business and societal implications, subscribe now to stay informed! Previous episodes of 2050 Investors have explored ESG, climate change, AI, greenflation, globalization, plastic pollution, food, healthcare, biodiversity and more. Credits Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Editors: Vincent Nickelsen, Jovaney Ashman, Jennifer Krumm, Louis Trouslard. Production Designer: Emmanuel Minelle, Radio K7 Creative. Executive Producer : Fanny Giniès. Sound Director: Marc Valenduc. Music: Emmanuel d’Orlando. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly. Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.